The status of lake water pollution has an indicative significance for the water function of lakes. In this study, we collected the data of total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, human population and economy in 14 typical lakes between 2010 and 2018 across the whole country. The characteristics of the changes in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and water quality were analyzed in relation to human activities. The results showed that: (1) In the past 10 years, total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in China’s typical lakes tended to have a slightly decreasing trend. (2) The regional differences of lake water quality were significant, the lakes of East Limnetic Region showed poor water quality, the lakes of Tibet-Qinghai Limnetic Region showed the best water quality conditions. In contrast, there were great differences in water quality within the Yungui Limnetic Region. (3) Human activities had a great impact on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in China’s lakes. Population density, industry and construction exerted a significant impact on the total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. We suggested that controlling industrial wastewater by the government could reduce lake pollution.